It's commonly assumed that we call "perfumes" all cosmetics that we apply to the body to make it smell nice. Meanwhile, most people actually don't use true perfumes at all.

Don't be surprised. In everyday life most of us reach for eau de parfum or eau de toilette. They differ from true perfumes by the concentration of essential oils. They are still fantastic scents that can delight you with their complexity and brighten your day.

However, it's worth being aware of these formal differences — it will help you better understand the world of fragrance compositions and make more informed choices. We discuss them in more detail in the article below.

What are fragrance products made of?

Fragrance products such as perfumes, eau de parfums, eau de toilettes and colognes consist of various components that together create their unique scent and provide longevity to the compositions.

They usually consist of:
- fragrance oils,
- alcohol or another solvent,
- odor enhancers,
- homogenizing agents,
- colorants (optional).

At the moment the ingredient we're most interested in is the first one mentioned. It is the concentration of fragrance oils that determines whether you're dealing with perfume, eau de parfum or eau de toilette.

What exactly are perfumes?

Perfumes, also called perfume extrait, are the most concentrated, noble and intense form of fragrance. They contain the highest concentration of fragrance oils, which usually ranges from about 25% to even 43%. They are extremely strong and long-lasting. They can be so intense that they are almost impossible to wear every day.

True perfumes are the queen among fragrances. They are the creme de la creme, the best that the cosmetics world and the perfumery industry have to offer. They're like the oldest vintages in your wine collection or a vinyl record autographed by your favorite artist.

They are more of a collector's product for connoisseurs of scents than a cosmetic to be worn daily. Just a few drops are enough to enjoy their aroma for many days. This is reflected in their price — which usually amounts to several thousand złoty.

What is eau de parfum?

Eau de parfum is a lighter form of fragrance compared to perfume. It is also the most popular fragrance product available on the market. It offers very high intensity and longevity of scent, which will satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts

Eau de toilette contains from 10% to 15% fragrance oils. It is therefore more concentrated than eau de toilette, but less intense than perfume.

What are eau de toilettes?

Eau de toilette is another popular type of fragrance available in drugstores. It differs from perfume and eau de parfum in the concentration of essential oils.

It contains from 5% to 10% fragrance oils, which makes it an ideal, unobtrusive companion for everyday moments.

It is an ideal choice for everyday use, especially on warmer days, because its lighter character means it is not overwhelming.

What are the most important differences between eau de toilette and eau de parfum?

You already know that fragrance waters can take different forms.

How does eau de toilette differ from eau de parfum and perfume? Check our summary:

Concentration of fragrance oils:

Perfume: 25% to 43%.
Eau de Parfum: 10% to 15%.
Eau de Toilette: 5-10%.

Longevity:

Perfume: up to several days.
Eau de Parfum: up to a dozen hours.
Eau de Toilette: up to a few hours.

Intensity of scent:

Perfume: Extremely intense, rich and full.
Eau de Parfum: Intense and still captivating, but lighter than perfume.
Eau de Toilette: Light and refreshing.

EDP, EDC, EDT... what do these abbreviations mean?

On bottles and packaging of fragrances you will find labels like EDP, EDC, or EDT. These will tell you whether you are holding perfume, eau de parfum or eau de toilette.

These labels refer strictly to the content of fragrance oils in the compositions. How to read them?

EDP (Eau de Parfum) - this is eau de parfum, which has one of the highest concentrations of fragrance oils, usually ranging from 10% to 15%.

EDT (Eau de Toilette) - eau de toilette, which is characterized by a lower concentration of fragrance oils, typically between 5% and 10%.

EDC (Eau de Cologne) - cologne has the lowest concentration of essential oils - usually between 2% and 5%.

So why choose eau de parfum?

Eau de parfum is a great choice. If you decide on a scent from this category, you certainly won't regret it.

What are its advantages over other forms of fragrance waters?

Higher concentration of fragrance oils, which translates into greater intensity and longevity than with eau de toilettes.
Depth and complexity of the composition. Eau de parfums can create fuller and more intriguing blends, with many layers of scent notes (top, heart and base). This makes these fragrances rich and they develop gradually on your skin.
Due to their intensity, eau de parfums require fewer applications, which makes the bottle last longer.

Advantages of eau de toilettes

Not only eau de parfum deserves your attention. If you like a scent and it is an eau de toilette, don't give it up just because of the lower concentration of fragrance oils.

What advantages of eau de toilette are worth knowing?

Lightness and freshness. Thanks to the lower concentration of fragrance oils, eau de toilette can be the ideal choice for warmer days and for everyday, casual use. After all, sometimes you may prefer less intensity.
Subtlety. There are situations when intense scents may be inappropriate. Then you can reach for an eau de toilette, which is subtle.
Usually lower alcohol content. Thanks to this, eau de toilette can be gentler on the skin.

Which to choose - eau de toilette or eau de parfum?

Choose what you like more and what gives you more pleasure. If you prioritize longevity and intensity of scent — eau de parfum will certainly better meet your expectations.

However, don't always rule out eau de toilette just because it is... eau de toilette. If you feel it's your scent — give it a chance.

Also keep in mind that in the world of niche perfumes, eau de parfums reign supreme. Creators of these exceptional scents usually opt for a higher concentration of oils, which allows them to achieve satisfying olfactory experiences. It also guarantees greater longevity and simply more pleasure — for a longer time.

Explore the world of scents on your own terms

Choosing a scent is a very subjective experience and a fascinating adventure.

Each person may react completely differently to the same aromas, so it's worth experimenting and discovering different compositions to find those that best match your style and personality.

We leave a few tips to help you choose:

Test fragrances on your skin. Scents develop differently on skin than on paper testers. Always apply them to your wrist or forearm.
Give it time. After application wait a few minutes for the scent to develop. The initial notes may differ from those you perceive, for example, after an hour.
Don't test too many compositions at once. After three to five scents your senses can become overwhelmed, making it difficult to evaluate subsequent perfumes.

In your fragrance journeys visit niche perfumeries. They offer unique scents that are not available in mainstream perfumeries. These are not ordinary eau de parfums or eau de toilettes, but olfactory works of art backed by an artist's vision and a deeper idea.

Moreover, in such places you can often count on a more individual approach and help in choosing the perfect scent for you.

That's exactly how it is at Galilu! See you!

Eau de Toilette vs Eau de Parfum. Summary

The world of scents is incredibly rich and interesting. As you can see, it's not only various, delightful aromas, but also chemical complexities that make it possible to create these exceptional compositions.

The decision to choose eau de toilette or eau de parfum should be dictated by individual needs and preferences. People looking for a long-lasting and intense scent that develops on the skin for many hours will probably appreciate eau de parfum much more. Those who value lightness, freshness and more frequent scent refreshes will find an ideal companion in eau de toilette.

Remember to above all enjoy scents and listen to your intuition. We wish you lots of fun and pleasure!